ALDOT to begin construction on next phase of Montgomery's Outer Loop

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Montgomery residents will soon see less congestion on major interstates in the area, thanks to a plan to complete Montgomery's Outer Loop road system, meaning not only a shorter commute, but a plethora of benefits for the Montgomery community.

On Tuesday, Alabama Department of Transportation Director John R. Cooper joined Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange announced that ALDOT will dust off the plans to extend Interstate 85 to build the next phase of the Montgomery Outer Loop.

According to a news release, $60 million to $70 million in federal and state funds will be used for the Interstate 85 extension to build the next phase of the Montgomery Outer Loop that will eventually serve as an extension to I-85 through west Alabama, connecting I-20/59 near the Mississippi line to I-65.

The first leg of the project will be to connect Vaughn Road to I-85, which will begin late this summer.

About $90 million in federal funds, plus $18 million in state matching funds, remains available after the cost of the I-85 corridor study, which recommended the extension of I-85 begin at the Montgomery Outer Loop and continue through rural west Alabama to Interstate 20/59 near Cuba, Ala.

“I am very pleased to see that this project will finally be able to move forward, as it will be a major catalyst for continued economic development in Central Alabama,” Shelby said.

Local officials are praising this latest development.

“Without Sen. Shelby’s leadership working with Federal Highway Administration officials in Washington, this project would not be moving forward,” Strange said. “This has been a true partnership between Sen. Shelby, ALDOT, Montgomery County and the City.”

Dean, chairman of the Montgomery County Commission, praised the project for the growth potential it unleashes.

"This will alleviate traffic congestion on I-65 and I-85 through Montgomery, making the daily commute easier for tens of thousands while at the same time reducing the amount of truck traffic through downtown and making our area more attractive to potential employers," Dean said. "It will also provide a boost to tourism."

Ingram represents the district where the I-85 extension begins.

"It makes sense to have the Outer Loop serve as the beginning of the I-85 extension," Ingram said. "This holds tremendous potential for the eastern portion of Montgomery County. It will boost property values, bring in new commerce and assist in tourism."

The initial work is expected to cost $60 million to $70 million. As with nearly all ALDOT projects, the costs will be divided on an 80 percent/20 percent split between federal and state funds.

When completed to I-65, the Outer Loop will be designated as I-85. The portion of I-85 into downtown Montgomery will be re-designated as I-685. The Outer Loop from I-85 to I-65 covers 24 miles.

The latest estimate for completing the entire I-85 extension beyond I-65 to I-20/59 is approximately $2.4 billion.

With bids tentatively scheduled to be taken in May, the first construction would likely begin by late summer.